We often get asked questions about Deltek’s MPM product and particularly how it compares with Deltek Cobra. So, below is an overview and outline of Deltek’s MPM product including its features and how it’s positioned.
Deltek positions Deltek MPM, one of the leading Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) products, for single programs and small teams with decentralized processes. Even though MPM is positioned for small to medium sized companies, the majority of the major defense contractors are counted as Deltek customers. In fact, 8 out of the top 10 defense contractors use Deltek MPM. MPM is scalable, capable of handling small projects to very large multi-billion dollar, multi-year projects with thousands of WBS elements.
As a desktop application, it is easy to install and is noted for its ease of use. Its main interface utilizes a well-recognized spreadsheet metaphor to input and manipulate data. Its user interface also allows the operator to graphically drill down from the program overview into detailed project information.
Deltek MPM has no enterprise features like an Enterprise Project Structure (EPS), so the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) only works at the project level. These missing enterprise features play to the strengths of MPM’s sister product, Deltek Cobra.
Deltek MPM uses Pervasive’s Btrieve database (a very efficient number cruncher), which technically makes this a client server application, although installation is very simple. MPM has over 75 standard reports that meet the government’s EVM reporting requirements.
Deltek MPM integrates well with Microsoft Project via Project Link, using a mapping process to transfer data directly from the MS Project file to the MPM project database rather than using exports and imports. MPM will transfer the WBS (structure and optional descriptive data), the schedule dates, milestones, budget/ETC estimates, and schedule/EV status. It also integrates well with Deltek wInsight for further EVM analysis and trend reporting.
MPM’s architecture and the Pervasive’s Btrieve database make it very easy to import and export information. Because of this, Deltek Costpoint, Vision and GCS Premier are all capable of transferring data to and from MPM.
Finally, Deltek MPM can create a Data Warehouse, which allows the MPM data to be made available to other applications and a much wider audience.
As I’ve already mentioned, Deltek MPM runs on a proprietary Pervasive Btrieve database. If you must run on Oracle or SQL Server, you have no choice but to consider Deltek Cobra because Cobra runs on either one. Below are some additional differences that may help you decide which is the best product for you.
A company called Micro-Frame Technologies back in the mid 1980’s originally released Micro-Frame Program Manager (MPM). Micro-Frame Technologies re-branded themselves as Business Engine in the 1990’s. Planview later acquired Business Engine in 2007, who then sold the MPM product and key employees to Deltek in 2008. Since 2008, Deltek has continued to develop and maintain MPM in parallel with their Deltek Cobra tool, which it acquired from Welcom Software Technology in 2006.
There’s no question that with both these products in their portfolio, Deltek is the number one Earned Value Management (EVM) tool vendor in the world; commanding over 70% market share.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of Deltek MPM and how Deltek positions it, particularly against Cobra. The Ten Six team have been implementing Deltek MPM since the early 1990’s and have considerable experience and expertise in this system, allowing our customers to focus on program success.
